Mechanical Combination Lock with Electronic Key Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical combination locks for lockers and other furniture require labor-intensive processes for key management and resetting combinations, especially when dealing with multiple users and lost administrator keys.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical combination lock with an electronic key override that does not require battery power, allowing for easy programmability and convenience, and automatically scrambles the dial combination upon opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical combination lock is used, then security is provided, but key management and combination resetting become labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key override system with an electronic key system. The electronic key uses RFID or similar wireless technology to communicate with the lock, eliminating the need for physical key cylinders. This substitution reduces the labor-intensive processes of key management, rekeying, and combination resetting while maintaining security through electronic authentication and programmable access control.
2Ease of operation
If an electronic lock is used, then key management becomes easier, but battery power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a hybrid system where electronic components (RFID reader, microprocessor) are integrated with a mechanical combination lock mechanism. The electronic key provides override capability without requiring continuous power for the locking mechanism itself. The mechanical components remain passive and power-free, while the electronic elements only activate during key presentation for authentication, thus avoiding continuous battery power requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical key override is used, then administrator access is provided, but re-keying is labor-intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key cylinders and re-keying processes with an electronic key system using RFID technology. The administrator key is an electronic device that communicates wirelessly with the lock's microprocessor. This eliminates the need for physical key cylinders, tumblers, and re-keying procedures. Combination resetting is achieved through electronic programming rather than mechanical reconfiguration, significantly reducing labor intensity and cost.
4Ease of operation
If electronic key override is implemented, then access control becomes more convenient, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lock system into distinct functional modules: the mechanical combination lock mechanism, the electronic key interface, the RFID reader, and the microprocessor control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and maintained. The electronic key override function is added as a separate module that interfaces with the existing mechanical system, minimizing the increase in overall complexity while providing enhanced access control capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination lock can be operated manually via the manipulation of rotatable dials and by way of a key, such as an electronic key. The lock includes one or more rotatable dials each having multiple indicia disposed thereon. Rotation of the rotatable dials to predetermined indicia places the lock in the unlocked position. The lock can further include an electronic port and an actuator. Upon receipt of a predetermined credential via the port, the actuator can place the lock in in the unlocked position. The lock further includes a knob that, when the lock is in the unlocked position, can be rotated between a first position in which the lock is in a latched position and a second position in which the lock is in an unlatched position. The combination lock may automatically scramble the positions of the dials upon opening for security purposes.